In Business Since 2001 We accept Paypal
Home Article Directory
More from Bill Platt
"Bill Platt for Book Authors" Youtube Channel
Training for Book Authors
Other Resources for Book Authors & Publishers
FictionPlots.com (350+ Plots & counting)
Please Support Our Advertisers

 
D9 Hosting


Select the Right Window Coverings

Copyright (c) 2008-2023

There are many factors that contribute to selecting the right covering for your window. The main functional reasons to install window coverings are light control and privacy. Additional factors include durability, life expectancy, cleaning, versatility, formality, attractiveness, safety, and price.

Light Control

The most difficult functional factor to control is light, and most window coverings fall in one of five categories:

  • Transparent - Clear, without obstruction
  • Translucent - Diffused light, preventing perception of distinct images
  • Filtered - Muted light in bright conditions
  • Semi-Opaque - Surfaces impenetrable by light, yet allows some light through gaps
  • Opaque (or Black-Out) - Blocks all light

    Transparent describes an open window with clear glass. Few windows are left completely open unless the building is in a private setting with foliage or an overhang that block direct sunlight.

    Translucent describes a window covering that is sheer or with components that are spaced for privacy. Included in this category are light fabric drapes and bamboo shades.

    Filtered window coverings allow subtle transmissions of light. This grade includes medium fabric drapes and most mini-blinds.

    Semi-opaque defines window coverings that almost block all light, allowing some light into the room through narrow gaps or along the edges. Shutters are a prime example of window coverings in this category.

    Opaque (or black-out) window coverings block out all light. Few coverings can completely prevent direct sunlight from penetrating the window. Some roll shades on the market claim to be able to block all light.

    Intense or direct sunlight can be difficult visually, fade carpet and furniture, and contribute to unwanted heat in warm months. Closed blinds, drapes, or shutters can significantly reduce the affects of all of these annoyances. Often, sunlight is a welcome addition to the home. It can brighten dark interiors and help heat a house on cold winter days. A successful window treatment will convert most of the window to be transparent when desired. Many window coverings can open to allow a view of 80% or more through the window. Most window coverings are easy to use and can transform from an open to a closed position without much effort.

    Privacy

    Privacy can be easily achieved with almost any window covering. The window treatment simply needs to be translucent or better to diffuse distinct images. Even frosted glass or glass block can give adequate levels of privacy.

    Durability and Expected Life

    By nature, a window opening is a harsh environment subject to direct sunlight, humidity, and fluctuating temperatures. Accompany these factors with frequent use and it is easy to understand why window coverings need to be well constructed. The overall life expectancy is usually less for fabric window treatment that can fade over time. Solid window coverings, such as shutters, have an extensive life expectancy.

    Cleaning

    All window coverings will collect dust and dirt. Fabrics are the most difficult to clean and are the most subject to stains. Furniture-quality window coverings will generally wipe clean with a light solution.

    Versatility and Formality

    Some window coverings work well in formal environments and others work best in casual living situations. Alternate window coverings are versatile and blend well with almost any room.

    Style and Overall Attractiveness

    A particular window cover might meet all of the functional needs, but if it is not attractive, there is no reason to proceed. Today's window fashions come in thousands of colors and patterns, providing a number of options for any decor.

    Safety

    Small children in the home can, and will, have contact with window coverings. Some treatments have cords to raise or lower for visibility. These could become a considerable hazard if they are within reach.

    Window Design

    Window configuration can limit the number of window coverings that can be used in a particular space. Shallow windows, trim molding with larger corner blocks, and bay (or bow) windows usually require special installations.

    Price

    While there is a large discrepancy in the cost of window coverings, it is important to weigh the overall value. The term value is overused in this consumer marketing society, but when purchasing long-term household items it is necessary to consider the return on investment. Window coverings on the low end of the price spectrum generally have a short life expectancy and low durability. Higher priced window coverings, like shutters, are designed to last the life of the home and retain its original character. Although more expensive, they will not need to be replaced.

    Listed are the positives and negatives of some of the most popular window treatments.

    Metal Mini-Blinds $ - $$

  • Large number of colors from which to choose to match home
  • Easy to measure for and install
  • Retractable for unobstructed view - Can be easy to bend or dent which lends to short expected life - Average ability to block sunlight - Dangling cords and tilt wand - Difficult to clean individual slats

    Roller Shades $ - $$

  • Retractable for unobstructed view
  • Clean look
  • Some shades are thick and block light very well - Some shades translucent, allowing a lot of light to penetrate through the shade - Some shades may look really cheap

    Wood Blinds $$

  • Available in painted and stained finishes
  • Blend well with shutters in the same home
  • Several louver sizes
  • Easy to measure for and install
  • Retractable for unobstructed view - May not be able to span across wide windows - Generally less formal than other window coverings - Medium life expectancy - Dangling cords and tilt wand

    Vertical Blinds $$

  • Ability to cover tall window or door openings - Difficult to keep uniform - Hard to block direct sunlight

    Woven Shades $$

  • Easy and quick to install
  • Can contribute to a casual or rustic decor
  • Available in a number of materials (woods, grasses, fabrics) and finishes - Translucent, allowing a lot of light to penetrate through the shade - Dangling adjustment cords

    Honeycomb and Pleated Shades $$ - $$$

  • Some styles block light very well
  • Some styles can open from the top or bottom
  • Retractable for unobstructed view
  • Soft appearance - Dangling adjustment cords

    Roman Shades $$ - $$$

  • Mostly retractable for unobstructed view
  • Softens room appearance
  • Some styles can open from the top or bottom
  • Some shades are thick and block light very well
  • Many patterns available - Some shades translucent, allowing a lot of light to penetrate through the shade - Can fade over time - Collect dust and difficult to clean

    Curtains and Drapes $$$ - $$$$

  • Custom curtains can match fabric in a room
  • Thicker curtains can block light very well
  • Can be a very formal or very casual window covering
  • Softens room appearance - Will fade over time - Collect dust and difficult to clean

    Shutters $$$ - $$$$

  • Extensive life expectancy
  • Most durable window covering available
  • Can open louvers or panels for light and/or visibility
  • Unlimited paint and stain color options
  • According to the IRS, the only window treatment considered a capital home improvement
  • Can be installed in a number of panel configurations
  • Many louver sizes available
  • Can have a very strong formal appearance
  • Only furniture-quality window treatment - May be more difficult to install - For best fit must be custom made


    About The Author: Shop Amazon - Top Gift Ideas
    With over 20 years of experience, Brian is a contributing writer for All About Window Shutters. He manages four web sites that sell interior and exterior shutters online. Horizon Shutters offers custom made interior wood shutters. ShutterLand sells both stock size unfinished wood interior shutter, and solid cedar exterior shutters. Ready Shutters distributes louvered, board-n-batten, raised panel, shaker, and arch top vinyl outside shutters. Each company has full telephone support. All shutters are made in the United States and shipped nationwide to homeowners.

    VOTE ON THIS ARTICLE
    Needs Work >> 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 << Excellent Article

    Tell our authors what you think about their article.



    Top-Level Category: Home and Garden Articles

    10 Most Recent Articles Written by Brian Wright

    Interior Window Shutters Can Be Affordable
    Written by: Brian Wright | Distributed: 2008-07-21 | Word Count: 757 | Page Views: 8304 | Votes: 16 | Rating: 2.81
    Avoid spending high dollar for custom-made interior window shutters. You can obtain affordable interior shutter panels, finish, and install them yourself. Find tips on measuring, selecting, and ordering quality stock-size interior shutters.

    The Function of Exterior Shutters
    Written by: Brian Wright | Distributed: 2008-02-14 | Word Count: 587 | Page Views: 6389 | Votes: 10 | Rating: 2.50
    Exterior shutters can be either functional or non-functional. Functional shutters swing open and closed to block light and allow ventilation in the home. Movable shutters are constructed from exterior grade wood. Non-functional shutters are adhered directly to the house. These shutters can be PVC, plastic, or vinyl. Which is best for you?

    All of Author's Articles on this site:

    Most Recent "Home And Garden" Articles

    Choosing Outdoor Playground Equipment for Your Back Yard
    Written by: Giana Briggs | Distributed: 2011-03-22 | Word Count: 473 | Page Views: 6689 | Votes: 4 | Rating: 0.50
    Perhaps you've reached a point where you think it's time for your children to learn to love the outdoors. And what better way to do that then have an outdoor play set right in your very own back yard.

    Tips for Choosing the Best Building Materials for an Outdoor Play Set
    Written by: Giana Briggs | Distributed: 2011-03-15 | Word Count: 422 | Page Views: 6849 | Votes: 5 | Rating: 1.00
    Children these days spend most of their time attached to a computer or video game. Very few children are ever seen on the playgrounds anymore. And it's becoming worse with every new device that comes out. But as parents, we can break this trend with outdoor toys the kids look forward to using.

    Building the Perfect Backyard Playground for Your Kids
    Written by: Giana Briggs | Distributed: 2011-03-10 | Word Count: 466 | Page Views: 7026 | Votes: 5 | Rating: 1.20
    Every child loves to play at the playground, and nothing is better than having your very own playground in the backyard. It's as exciting to a child as Christmas morning. How do we as parents pick out the perfect outdoor play set for them?

    Setting the Stage for More Rooftop Farms
    Written by: Mohamed Hage | Distributed: 2010-11-17 | Word Count: 855 | Page Views: 6172 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 1.00
    Mohamed Hage, founder of the world's first urban commercial rooftop farm discusses the benefits and difficulties of putting farms on rooftops.

    How To Choose The Right Rug For A Room
    Written by: Alycia Hartzell | Distributed: 2010-10-26 | Word Count: 441 | Page Views: 5611 | Votes: 4 | Rating: 0.25
    Choosing the right area rug for a room goes beyond simply selecting a rug that you like. Existing factors within the room will determine the rug you should select.

    Solar Power for Homes - What You Need to Know
    Written by: M.S. Rochell | Distributed: 2010-08-12 | Word Count: 553 | Page Views: 5513 | Votes: 4 | Rating: 1.50
    Some surprising new developments in solar power for homes may make using solar energy in your daily life more possible than you may think!

    Solar Lamp Post Lights Reduce Energy Costs!
    Written by: M.S. Rochell | Distributed: 2010-08-10 | Word Count: 466 | Page Views: 9015 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 0.33
    Using solar lamp post lights is a simple and affordable way to help the environment, beautify your home and save money on energy costs.

    How Does Solar Energy Work?
    Written by: M.S. Rochell | Distributed: 2010-08-05 | Word Count: 741 | Page Views: 5073 | Votes: 3 | Rating: 2.00
    Learn about solar power, how it works, and why this abundant renewable energy source is becoming more accessible to more people.

    Why a Home Solar Panel Will Save You Money and How You Can Get One for Free
    Written by: M.S. Rochell | Distributed: 2010-08-03 | Word Count: 739 | Page Views: 5782 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 1.50
    What is a home solar panel and how can it save you money? Solar energy panels are a new eco-friendly option for homeowners who want to heat and cool their home efficiently using the sun’s rays. There are a number of ways you can install solar panels affordably or even for free!

    The Top 5 Reasons to Insulate Your Home This Summer
    Written by: Erin Shaughnessy | Distributed: 2010-07-27 | Word Count: 429 | Page Views: 5843 | Votes: 2 | Rating: 0.00
    For homeowners who have been considering adding home insulation - this summer is the time to do it.

    Most Viewed "Home And Garden" Articles

    How To Clean A Wool Rug
    Written by: Alycia Hartzell | Distributed: 2009-08-04 | Word Count: 417 | Page Views: 25732 | Votes: 30 | Rating: 2.30
    Surprisingly enough, cleaning a wool rug is a lot easier than most people think. By following these simple steps you will be able to clean your wool rug and save the money you would normally spend to have it professionally cleaned.

    Famous Waterfalls of the World
    Written by: Elizabeth Jean | Distributed: 2007-04-02 | Word Count: 939 | Page Views: 19115 | Votes: 53 | Rating: 1.85
    About 70% of the Earth's surface is permanently covered in water. Water shapes our coastlines and carves channels through countries and landscapes. Inevitably, water sometimes runs across a sudden drop in the level of the land, and a waterfall is born.

    7 Extraordinary Ceiling Treatments
    Written by: Julie Lohmeier | Distributed: 2006-11-28 | Word Count: 79 | Page Views: 17706 | Votes: 30 | Rating: 1.77
    In a recent post, I mentioned how ceilings are no longer simply plain white. They're painted; they're designed; they're the focal point of a room.

    Decorating Tips: Best Placement for Rugs Under Furniture
    Written by: AnnaRae Mills | Distributed: 2007-03-07 | Word Count: 681 | Page Views: 16625 | Votes: 26 | Rating: 2.85
    Small rugs and accent rugs can usually be placed wherever they look good or fulfill a specific purpose, but larger rugs look best when basic guidelines for placement are followed. Since a larger rug often serves as an anchor for a furniture grouping or the main floor covering in a room, proper placement is essential for several reasons, including a balanced look.

    The Easy Elegance of Swags and Scarf Valances
    Written by: Julie Lohmeier | Distributed: 2006-06-15 | Word Count: 261 | Page Views: 14707 | Votes: 34 | Rating: 1.68
    The easiest drape to make and hang is a swag or scarf valance. It's easy to make, looks elegant, entails less cost and fuss than other drapery styles, and works in any room.

    How to Create an Easy, No-Sew Valance in Just 15 Minutes
    Written by: Julie Lohmeier | Distributed: 2006-09-14 | Word Count: 245 | Page Views: 14214 | Votes: 23 | Rating: 1.83
    Here's an easy way to create a beautiful, elegant valance with no sewing in only 15 minutes. See an example here:

    Turn Your Single Family Home Into A Legal Multi Family Home
    Written by: Robert Short | Distributed: 2006-11-14 | Word Count: 621 | Page Views: 12142 | Votes: 24 | Rating: 1.83
    Will it really be legal? I've heard this question asked hundreds of times, yet in my concrete cutting business, one that is crucial in the conversion process, I have seen it done hundreds of times. How you may ask? It's actually not any more difficult than most major home renovations.

    7 Popular Decorating Colors
    Written by: Julie Lohmeier | Distributed: 2006-07-18 | Word Count: 520 | Page Views: 12046 | Votes: 19 | Rating: 2.42
    Picking the right color for a room can often be the most difficult decorating decision. The best way to find a color you like is to look at other homes, restaurants, and good old-fashioned paint chips. Here are some popular colors in decorating right now.

    Adding a Precast Concrete Stairway Bulkhead to Your Home
    Written by: Robert Short | Distributed: 2006-07-06 | Word Count: 855 | Page Views: 11756 | Votes: 22 | Rating: 3.00
    Nowadays it pays to be aware of the choices available in the market in order to make the right decisions when it comes to improvements in the home. And with the skyrocketing price of construction materials and services, it makes sense to know what options are available. Take for example the installation of precast concrete bulkhead stairway to your home's basement.

    Father of Fountain Design: Gian Bernini
    Written by: Elizabeth Jean | Distributed: 2007-04-02 | Word Count: 876 | Page Views: 11388 | Votes: 21 | Rating: 2.19
    For centuries, visitors to Rome have admired the architecture and art of this great European city. Its famous outdoor water fountains, piazzas, churches and cathedrals draw many thousands of visitors each year, as do its countless art galleries. No less an attraction is Vatican City, in the heart of Rome, and its principal building, the Basilica of St. Peter.

    Highest Ranked "Home And Garden" Articles

    The Modern Soft Yellow Banana Evolved From The Cooking Banana As The Number One Fruit In The World
    Written by: Patrick Malcolm | Distributed: 2007-05-02 | Word Count: 1431 | Page Views: 8287 | Votes: 15 | Rating: 3.40
    The early Spanish explorers introduced banana plants into America from Spain as a hardcore, large cooking banana, known as a Plantain banana. The amazing yellow fresh eating banana, that we know today sold by supermarkets, resulted from a mutation from the hardcore tissues of the parent plantain banana plant, that was then growing in Jamaica.

    Adding a Precast Concrete Stairway Bulkhead to Your Home
    Written by: Robert Short | Distributed: 2006-07-06 | Word Count: 855 | Page Views: 11756 | Votes: 22 | Rating: 3.00
    Nowadays it pays to be aware of the choices available in the market in order to make the right decisions when it comes to improvements in the home. And with the skyrocketing price of construction materials and services, it makes sense to know what options are available. Take for example the installation of precast concrete bulkhead stairway to your home's basement.

    Scented Flowers Make A Mariah Carey Style Comeback
    Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF | Distributed: 2008-01-09 | Word Count: 370 | Page Views: 4601 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 3.00
    Singer Mariah Carey all but disappeared from the music scene only to return a bigger star than ever in late 2005. But, in terms of comebacks, fragrant flowers just may make an even bigger comeback

    Don't Get Burned! The Hidden Costs of Kitchen Remodeling
    Written by: Aaron J. Munk | Distributed: 2008-12-15 | Word Count: 831 | Page Views: 4789 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 3.00
    You’ve browsed all the magazines, planned and saved and calculated how much your kitchen remodeling ideas will cost. You’ve gotten estimates and bids, picked a contractor and now you are ready to get started. However, renovations are rarely without unexpected complications and these hidden costs might have you spending more than you thought.

    Create a Home that Nurtures, Inspires and Enlivens
    Written by: Barbra Sundquist | Distributed: 2006-05-16 | Word Count: 979 | Page Views: 5515 | Votes: 24 | Rating: 2.96
    Quick, think of an amazing environment. A place where you feel totally alive and inspired. Got a place in mind? Now make a list of the attributes of that place. Is it indoors or outdoors? Quiet or lively? What colors, smells, sounds, objects, people are present? You've just defined what aliveness feels like for you. Now think about your home.

    How to Build a More Successful Flower Garden
    Written by: Lauren Mamane | Distributed: 2009-07-03 | Word Count: 1046 | Page Views: 4190 | Votes: 16 | Rating: 2.94
    Flowers are the one plant that most everyone enjoys possessing, either in the yard or in a vase on the table. The beauty of the flower has held its place in the human heart for as long as man has loved a woman.

    Game Room Decor, Collectibles and Yesteryear Figures
    Written by: Verna D James | Distributed: 2007-08-29 | Word Count: 615 | Page Views: 2286 | Votes: 9 | Rating: 2.89
    A great idea for an unusual decorating theme is game room collectibles or yesteryear figures for your home game room, not only, that, but have you considered decorating one of guest or reception rooms as a game room, perhaps with a snooker or pool table, and using it for parties and the like? You can have a different kind of 'pool' party here!

    Ornamental Grasses for Fall Landscapes
    Written by: Ted Roberson | Distributed: 2006-09-29 | Word Count: 510 | Page Views: 4657 | Votes: 14 | Rating: 2.86
    Ornamental Grasses are becoming extremely popular in low maintenance landscapes as a way to add beauty and color without a great deal of hard work in the garden. Another great way to implement ornamental grasses is for fall landscapes.

    Will Jennifer Aniston Ever Get A Red Iris On Her Birthday?
    Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF | Distributed: 2008-05-22 | Word Count: 464 | Page Views: 5701 | Votes: 7 | Rating: 2.86
    The iris, birth flower for the month of February in which Jennifer Aniston was born, comes in almost every color you can imagine-white, yellow, blue, purple...but not true red. You may see them in colors very close to red, like wine or brick red, but you won't see one in real, stop sign red.

    Which Flowers Match Britney Spears' Home Style?
    Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF | Distributed: 2008-05-23 | Word Count: 504 | Page Views: 4885 | Votes: 14 | Rating: 2.86
    As she's grown up in the public eye, the world has watched pop-icon Britney Spears change her style over the years. She's gone from flirty pop teen to mother of two. As she's grown up, it's very likely her tastes in home décor have changed as well. According to the Society of American Florists, there are five main home decorating styles-and there are flowers to go with every one of them.











    Download an eBook today
  •  
    Directory Navigation
    Locate By Category:

    ALL Categories
    Arts & Crafts
    Arts & Entertainment
    Automotive
    Business - Offline
    Business - Online
    Career
    Computers
    Education
    Family
    Finance
    Food & Drink
    Health & Wellness
    Home & Garden
    Humor
    Internet
    Nature & Pets
    Real Estate
    Religion
    Self Improvement
    Shopping
    Society
    Sports & Recreation
    Technology
    Travel & Leisure
    Uncategorized
    World Events
    Writing & Speaking

    Change Number of Results:
    50 - 100 - 200 - 500
    Article Reprint Rights
    Creative Commons License

    This work is
    licensed under a
    Creative Commons
    License


    You are not required to show the creative commons license notice when you reprint this work.
    Article Statistics
    Word Count: 1186

    Total Views: 6832

    Article Rating: 2.92 of 5
    Votes Cast: 12

    More Articles By Author:



    Last Distribution Date:
    2008-02-07 10:24:00

    Internal ID: #5654





    All Articles are Copyright © 2001-2023 of the Defined Authors.

    All other material and images on this site are:
    Copyright © 2001-2023, ThePhantomWriters.com